MONTROSE VOLUNTEER HONOURED FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO GIRLGUIDING SCOTLAND

A Montrose woman who has helped thousands of girls to grow in confidence and realise their potential has received Girlguiding’s top honour for her outstanding service.

Carol Edwards was presented with a specially-designed brooch by Dinah Faulds, former Scottish Chief Commissioner.

Since joining as a Brownie, age 7, Carol moved onto Guides before becoming adult volunteer. Carol has shown a lifelong commitment to Girlguiding and a passion for helping girls and young women to grow in confidence, discover their potential and make lifelong memories.

During her time as a volunteer, Carol, who is currently a leader with the 4th Montrose Guides and a county outdoor activity adviser, has supported hundreds of girls to enjoy new experiences, learn new skills and grow in confidence – whether helping them to achieve interest badges in everything from science to sport or taking girls on their first ever camping trip.

In addition to leading her Guide unit, Carol has volunteered in a wide range of roles at a local and national level including volunteering as county commissioner for guiding in Angus and an adviser for Girlguiding Scotland. Last month she completed a five-year term as a deputy chief commissioner for Girlguiding Scotland, one of the charity’s most senior volunteers.

Carol said: “I feel very honoured to receive this award for doing something I love and so grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had – from attending World Camp at Foxlease and meeting guiding members from around the globe, to travelling with girls and volunteers to Singapore, Japan, Switzerland, Mexico, France, the USA, and India.

Helping girls to take on new challenges and enjoy new adventures, while watching them grow in confidence and discover just how much they are capable of, is such a rewarding experience. During my time as a Girlguiding Scotland volunteer I’ve been lucky enough to meet and support hundreds of girls and it’s been particularly rewarding to see girls who started off as Guides go on to become young leaders and role-models to others.

I feel immensely proud to be part of an organisation that’s dedicated to giving girls a space where they can discover their potential and be all they can. And, while my role as a Girlguiding Scotland’s Deputy Chief Commissioner has come to a close, I’m really excited to get back to my Guides in Montrose and start planning our next adventure.”

The Laurel award is given to adult volunteers in recognition of outstanding service to guiding in the UK or any of Girlguiding’s international branch associations.

Denise Spence, Chief Executive of Girlguiding Scotland, said: “I’ve been lucky to work alongside Carol for the last five years and seen her passion for empowering girls and young women first-hand. She has a true talent for inspiring others – whether it’s young members or our volunteers to take on new challenges and discover just how much their capable of. I’m delighted she’s received this award in recognition of all she done and continues to do to help even more girls benefit from the fun and adventure Girlguiding Scotland has to offer.”

Girlguiding Scotland is the leading charity for girls and young women in Scotland offering girls age 5 to 25 the chance to take part in a wide and varied programme, encompassing everything from outdoor adventure to social action, campaigning to international travel, arts, science, sports and international travel.

Girlguiding Scotland is the leading charity for girls and young women in Scotland, with around 50,000 young members. We build girls’ confidence and raise their aspirations. We give them the chance to discover their full potential and encourage them to be a powerful force for good. We give them a space to have fun. Find out more at girlguidingscotland.org.uk